By Michael John Carley; 252 pages. Subtitle: A Supportive and Practical Guide for Anyone With Asperger's Syndrome.
This empowering memoir/self-help book by the executive director of The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP) isn't intended for parents, but they may pick up some good ideas anyway for helping their children with Asperger syndrome succeed in the world and in positive self-image. Carley was diagnosed as an adult, at the same time his son was, and brings an interesting perspective on how getting that label can change things for the better.
- Upbeat memoir shares an adult's view of growing up with Asperger's
- The author was diagnosed when his son was, so has a parent's point of view, too
- References throughout to other good books and online resources
- Addresses issues parents of teens may be worried about, like dating, sexuality, and finding work
- Presents Asperger syndrome as something that does not stand in the way of a full life
- This memoir/self-help guide is aimed at adults with AS, and of limited usefulness for parents
- Not much about early childhood issues
- Author may seem more confident and high-functioning than you can imagine your child being
- Chapter 1: What Is Asperger's Syndrome?
- Chapter 2: Now I Know: What the Diagnosis Feels Like
- Chapter 3: Long Walks: Looking Back on the Past With a New Perspective
- Chapter 4: Disclosure
- Chapter 5: The Right Toolbox: Coping Strategies
- Chapter 6: Special Interests = Passion (+ Future?)
- Chapter 7: Happiness
There are all kinds of good reads for parents of children with special needs. I tend to favor ones that are heavy on practical advice, because if you're going to carve out some reading time from your overwhelming child-tending duties, you may as well get something useful to carry out of it. Second to that, memoirs by parents sharing their experience of raising children with special needs can also have tangible value -- whether because you want to copy the attitudes and techniques the the writer describes, or your situation looks better by comparison.
Memoirs by adults with disabilities, like Asperger's From the Inside Out, don't necessarily give you a road map to get through your days, or make you feel that somebody else understands what you're going through. But they do offer a look back at what your child may be going through right now, and especially if your child is unable to articulate that at this time, it's a useful lens to peer through.
Since he wasn't diagnosed until age 36, Carley's memories of childhood and teen years are of being misunderstood by teachers and finally finding a comfortable niche in the arts. But his thoughts on the value of having that diagnosis, and how to go about disclosing it to others, may be of interest to parents who are struggling with worries over labeling. And advice he shares with fellow adults about relationships and employment and self-advocacy and other grown-up issues are worth looking over for parents of teens who are beginning to face those situations.
Many other books by adults on the autism spectrum are quoted in this text, making it useful for forming a list for further reading. In between all those big heavy parenting books you've got on your shelf.
